Gravel calculator
Enter the area's length, width and how deep you want the gravel, and this calculator returns the volume in cubic yards and the weight in tons — the two ways gravel is sold. It works for crushed stone, pea gravel, road base and landscape rock. Buying by the cubic yard or ton delivered is far cheaper than bags for anything bigger than a small planting bed.
Gravel is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton — order whichever your supplier prices lower, using the figures above. A driveway usually wants 4–6 inches of depth.
Estimates only — round up when you order, and confirm exact quantities and conversions with your supplier.
- ›Gravel is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton (≈ 1.4 tons per cubic yard)
- ›Driveway: 4–6 inches deep · Walkway/bed: 2–3 inches · Paver base: 4–6 inches
- ›Add ~10% extra for compaction and settling
- ›Lay landscape fabric underneath to stop weeds and keep stone from sinking
Laying a gravel driveway or a base for pavers? Local pros can grade, lay landscape fabric and compact it properly.
Gravel calculator — frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need?
Multiply length × width × depth (all in feet) to get cubic feet, then divide by 27 for cubic yards. For a 4-inch deep layer, that's depth = 0.33 ft. A 20 × 10 ft area at 4 inches deep needs about 2.5 cubic yards, or roughly 3.4 tons of gravel.
How many tons of gravel in a cubic yard?
Most gravel weighs about 1.4 tons (2,800 lb) per cubic yard, though it varies by material — pea gravel and crushed stone are around 1.3–1.5 tons per yard. This calculator uses 1.4 tons/yd as a standard estimate. Ask your supplier for the exact conversion for their product.
How deep should gravel be?
For a walkway or landscape bed, 2–3 inches is plenty. For a gravel driveway, plan on 4–6 inches total, often in two layers (a coarser base and a finer top). A paver or patio base is usually 4–6 inches of compacted crushed stone.
How much does a yard of gravel cost?
Gravel runs roughly $30–$70 per cubic yard for the material, or about $15–$50 per ton, plus delivery. Decorative stone like pea gravel or river rock costs more. The calculator gives volume and weight so you can price it with a local supplier.
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This calculator gives estimates for planning only. Round up when you order, and confirm exact quantities, coverage and weight conversions with your supplier — materials vary.